Tinnitus support group from Kings Lynn hits the Gold Standard

Tinnitus support group from Kings Lynn hits the Gold Standard

(Interview and photo opportunities are available)

26 September 2019 A tinnitus support group from Kings Lynn has become one of the first groups in the country to be awarded the Gold Standard for tinnitus support groups by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).

The group, led by local hearing therapist Anna Pugh, enables people with tinnitus to meet others with the condition, share useful tips on coping methods and find out what help is available.

Colette Bunker, BTA Volunteer and Support Group Manager said: “A group has to meet a number of criteria to be considered a BTA Gold Standard group. These criteria are designed to ensure groups are working hard to be inclusive, encouraging peer-to-peer interaction and are providing people with accurate and up-to-date information in a safe and friendly environment.”

Anna Pugh said: “At the Kings Lynn tinnitus support group we are proud to offer a safe, welcoming space to talk about our tinnitus with other people who are going through the same things, learn about how to cope better, get information and meet caring, interested professionals. We feel that being awarded the Gold Standard from BTA recognises and celebrates our support to our local community of people with tinnitus, and so can plan to go from strength to strength.

Anna added: “I recognise the effort it takes for our members to turn up at the meetings, and the courage to open up about how they are coping, share ideas and support one another. The Gold Standard celebrates that effort and will spur us on. We will use the award to promote our group, and hope that it will encourage more people to join us.”

Colette commented: “We know that support groups can really help a person lead the best life they can, and Anna and everyone at the Kings Lynn group are dedicated to helping people overcome the distress tinnitus can cause, and we are delighted to be able to recognise their hard work.”

If you would like to find out more about the group, please visit www.tinnitus.org.uk/kings-lynn-tinnitus-support-group. Alternatively, contact Colette Bunker at the BTA on colette@tinnitus.org.uk or 0114 250 9933.

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Editors Notes

• The BTA is an independent charity which supports over 1 million people per year who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world. It is the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK. 
• The BTA needs to raise £975,000 each year to continue their UK wide support. Donations can be made via 
• Tinnitus">www.tinnitus.org.uk/donate
• Tinnitus">... is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music. Around one in eight adults experience tinnitus. Many people aren’t troubled by sounds they hear, but for around 10%, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or sometimes depression.

For more information

Nic Wray, Communications Manager

nic@tinnitus.org.uk

0114 250 9933

British Tinnitus Association

Ground Floor Unit 5 Acorn Business Park

Woodseats Close

Sheffield, S8 0TB

Distributed by Pressat

Company Contact:

Tinnitus UK

T. 0114 250 9933
E. nic@tinnitus.org.uk
W. https://www.tinnitus.org.uk

Charities & non-profits Health Tinnitus Hearing Deafness Hard Of Hearing Meeting British Tinnitus Association Self Help Tinnitus Treatment Kings Lynn Norfolk

Anna Pugh (left) from Kings Lynn tinnitus support group receiving the Gold Standard Award from Colette Bunker of the BTA

* For more information regarding media usage, ownership and rights please contact Tinnitus UK.